Bora Bora Beach

Bora Bora – Unquestionably the most mythical of the Pacific islands remains the island of all dreams.
So much has been written about Bora Bora, and yet it is hard to find the right words to describe the magic that emanates from this island.
Seen from the air, Bora Bora has been compared to that of “a tiny emerald in a setting of turquoise, encircled by a sheltering necklace of sparkling pearls”.
Bora Bora airport, built by the US forces in 1942, is located on a palm fringed motu about 20 minutes by boat from the main village of Vaitape.
Some other remnant of the US presence are 2 large cannons hidden in the lush hills overlooking the lagoon.

Most of the temples (Marae) having been destroyed during the last century by the English missionaries, and unfortunately there is little archeological remnants left.Most of the recenthotel/resorts have been built on islands (motu) in the lagoon surrounding Bora Bora. They mostly face into the lagoon and the mountain of Bora Bora and offer privacy, pristine water and extraordinary views.Bora Bora was the first ever to feature over-the-water bungalows over 30 years ago (Hotel Bora Bora). With a few exceptions, this unique type of accommodation is still only ever found in French Polynesia due to the protected lagoons and the very even tides.


Hotel Bora Bora – very gourmet, very romantic, great show and killer ambiance for their BBQ.
Villa Mahana – fairly new – arguably the best food on the Island. The ambiance is beautiful and romantic. There are five tables on the main level, and two tables up a few stairs that get reserved early. If you can, try to get the table at the very top, but if you can’t, don’t worry, there isn’t a bad table there.
Fare Manuia – 5 min. walk from the Intercon Moana Beach (Matira), nice place, intimate, top rate food with reasonable prices.

Black Pearls – many places around the Island, rent a FunCar and shop around.
Souvenirs and Shops – the Flea Market Building near the wharf in Vaitape. Tiare Market, turn left out of the Sofitel Marara, it’s about a five-minute walk. China Lee Market in Viatape. O.P.E.C., on the road from Viatape to Matira Point. Boutique Fareani north of the ICB, it sells ice cream bars and nick knacks.